TheRev Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 I play gigs without a drummer all the time. I find it helps to approach the songs with a 'camp fire' type mentality i.e. how would you play them if you were just sitting and jamming round a fire? Slowing things down a bit will help as will persuading your guitarist not to use all the effects and gubbins he normally uses. If possible have him play an acoustic as it'll slow him down a bit and encourage a more stripped back and rhythmic playing style. Finally, don't feel you have to play the songs the way you normally play them; open up, relax and have a bit of fun - I reckon an acoustic Sweet Child would suit a gentle swing beat..... Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 My 'new' project is dedicated to just what you are doing. I've grown jaded with the whole; loud, full-on rock band thing and I've taken many of the songs that I used to do and broken them down so that they can be played with a guitar/bass/vocal approach... though we are cheating a bit by using a pair of loopers Saying all of that I have come back around to the idea of a drummer playing along with this more 'acoustic' laid back approach... probably going to end up back as a loud full-on rock thing Our set as is (in no particular order): Rock Star/Photograph Chelsea Dagger Mrs Robinson The Story Let Her Cry Dream Catch Me Learn to Fly Stop & Stare This is the Life The whole of the moon Walk this way Hanging by a moment Sidewinder sleeps She called up Games people play Place your hands on Black Horse & cherry tree Throw the curtains wide Sympathy for the devil Time of your life Shine Pour some sugar on me With or Without you Save tonight Mercy People are strange Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassMunkee Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 A good idea would be to borrow or invest in something like a Boss Loopstation. That way you can provide your own rythm to work to, record a phrase and loop that, then play over it - it's very good for that sort of thing, it even varied metronome sounds if you want that too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassassin Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm in a slightly similar situation here - drummer from my band also plays in a traditional celtic/folky band. Quite an interesting setup - guitarist/vocalist, a multi-instrumentalist who plays mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, bodhran & whistle (not at the same time!) and our drummist Mark on his electronic kit. I recorded a demo for them in the spring & ended up putting bass on a few of the songs where it was appropriate - and now they've asked if I'll "stand in" for Mark, while he's away on honeymoon in September & October! How the hell does a bassist stand in for a very versatile drummer playing an electronic kit? Add this to the 56-song set list they've handed me, and panic is just a breath away... Seriously, I honestly don't know what bass will add to their music with no drums - but it will be interesting, I hope. And if not, I'll be getting paid anyway... Jon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil_the_bassist Posted August 31, 2008 Author Share Posted August 31, 2008 morning all! Just thought I'd give you an update on how it went... IT WAS BRILLIANT! Much to my initial chagrin, the rest of the lads weren't up for chillin the set out, but it worked really well. I had to REALLY pulse the beat to keep everyone in check, but we had a great laugh, the crowd were behind us, and the management's pockets are significantly fuller now! We were a bit shaky for the first 3/4 songs, but we all started listening, paying attention to what's goin on, it was definately a musical workout, and truly knackering! We were pulling in a helluvalot of punters off the streets (probably for the novelty factor) but they were all staying (and drinking ) and cos we were that much quieter they were crammed up close to the stage Also, during the interval we had one of our regular followers come up and ask "what was different? something sounds different, but I cant work it out!" but that just shows how much she pays attention usually then! Thanks for the words of support, I only hope Sarah5String's gig went as well, if not better! [size=1] ooh, just a little side note I got drunk enough (on free beer ) to join in on some BV's (which i used to be famously bad for) and I actually hit all the notes I was aiming, WHILST keeping in time! WOoHOo! now considering officially increasing my repertoire from "bassist" to "bassist with BVs" [/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah5string Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 (edited) How did it go? edit.. you beat me to it! Edited August 31, 2008 by Sarah5string Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.